How to unlock iPhone for use with a different carrier

How to unlock iPhone for use with a different carrier

By unlocking your iPhone, you can use it with a different carrier.

iPhone may be locked for your carrier. By unlocking your iPhone, you can use it with a different carrier. To contact your carrier and unlock iPhone, use the following steps.

If you don't want to switch carriers and have your device locked because you forgot your passcode, you don't need to use the steps in this article. Learn how to reset your passcode.

Apple can't unlock iPhone for use with a different carrier. Only your carrier can unlock iPhone.
Contact the operator

    Only your carrier can unlock iPhone. Call your carrier and ask for an unlock. Your account may have to meet unlocking requirements. After submitting the request, it may take several days for the process to complete. Contact the operator to check the status of your unlock request.
    Once your carrier has confirmed that they have unlocked your iPhone, follow these steps.

If you have a SIM card from a carrier other than your current carrier

Use the following steps to complete iPhone unlock:

    Remove your SIM card.
    Insert a new SIM card. The device will be active.

If you don't have another SIM card to use

Use the following steps to complete iPhone unlock:

    Back up your iPhone.
    After making a backup, erase iPhone.
    Restore iPhone from the newly created backup.

Get help

You may see this message on your computer or iPhone: "The SIM card inserted in this iPhone does not appear to be supported. Only compatible SIM cards from supported carriers can be used to activate iPhone. Please insert the SIM card that came with iPhone or visit a carrier store where supported".

If you see this message on a device with iOS 14, use the following steps:

    Go to Settings > General, then tap About.
    In the Carrier Lock section, you'll see a "No SIM restriction" message. If you don't see the message, contact your carrier.

If your device is running iOS 13 or earlier, use the following steps:

    Contact your carrier to make sure they have the unlock implemented on their system.
    Restore iPhone to factory settings.
    Restore iPhone from backup.